A man who is impotent, or who ejaculates prematurely, is unlikely to impregnate his partner. A couple who make love only once a year are unlikely to have a baby. Generally speaking, unless a woman is over the age of 30 it isn't usually necessary to investigate a case of alleged infertility until a couple have been having intercourse without any form of contraception for two years. Well before that time limit is reached, there are a number of things that a couple can do to enhance their chances of having a child.

Having sex as close as possible to the moment of ovulation is a good starting point as any. Most women ovulate 14 days before the end of their menstrual cycle, so sex at that time is far more likely to result in a pregnancy than sex just before or after a period. To ensure that this sperm is kept in the best possible condition, a man should avoid tight jeans, keep out of hot baths and saunas, and sit with his legs apart as often as possible. Sperm are very susceptible to unwanted heat.

After intercourse, a woman who wants to get pregnant should stay in bed half an hour, draw up her knees and put a pillow under her bottom. These actions are designed to improve the chances of a sperm getting into and through the cervix and meeting an egg.

Teacher: MichaelMany articles taken from 'A word with the doctor', by Dr. John Windsor.